Engine starting device.



c. F. KETTERING & w. A. CHRYST.

ENGINE-STARTING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED FEILS, 1916.

Patented July 30, 1918.

Q Q. L

l 1,241,990 oa.

practically all systems embodying starting CHARLES F. KETTERING ANDWILLIAM A. CHRYST, OF DAYTON, OHIO, ASSIGNORS TO THE D 'J W ENGINEERINGLABORATORIES COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

ENGINE STARTING DEVICE.

Original application To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, CHARLES F. KET- TERING and \VILLIAM A. CHR Ys'r,citizens of the United States of America, residing at Dayton, county ofMontgomery, and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Engine Starting Devices, of which the following isafull, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to a system of devices adapted for supplyingpower to start an engine, and the engine when thus started, is arrangedto store up power for similar future starting operations, and this samepower source may then be used to supply current for the ignition systemof the engine, and for any other purposes which may be desired.

The present application is a divisional of our copending application,Serial No. 778,931, filed July 11, 1913, now Patent 2, 1917, wherein asystem of electrical generation, distribution, and con trol has beenshown, described and claimed. Up to the time of the present invention,

devices of the electrical type, such as, for 1nstance, as are includedin the copending applications of C. F. Ketterin filed April 17,1911,Serial No. 621,512 now Patent 1,171,055, Feb. 8, 1916, filed September19, 1912. Serial No. 721,237 now Pat. 1,2),318, Sept. 18, 1917, and theissued U. S. patent of Charles F. Kettering No. 1,150,523, comprised ingeneral a source of current, for instance, an accumulator or storagebattery, and a motor and a generator, either combined in a single unitor embodied in separate and independent units. The above mentioned unitsgenerally have electrical connections between the electric machine, ormachines, and the storage battery, and mechanical connections betweenthe said machine or machines, and the engine, together with controllingmechanism which comprises a switch unit for selecting the electricalconnections and any suitable means for controlling the mechanicalconnections.

Now, it is among the objects of the present invention to simplify thiscontrolling mechanism, and to eliminate certain of the units of thesystem, by so constructing, arranging, and combining other elementsthereof, which are already employed to perform Specification of LettersPatent.

operation, to perform not only their own original functions, but alsothe functions of the eliminated elements or mechanisms.

In the issued U. S. patent of Charles F. Kettering, No. 1,150,523, it isset forth that one of the objects of the invention is to secure apreliminary movement of the electric machine, in order to facilitate theshiftiiig of the connections between the said machine and the engine, soas to connect the machine to the engine for starting purposes.

One of the objects of the present-inventionis to secure this preliminarymovement of the electric machine by the operation of a movablecommutator brush, having means associated therewith to cut down thenormal flow of current and thereby impart an initial movement to theelectric machine, previous to the normal starting operation of themachine. a

One manner of carrying out the above object is to provide a movablecommutator brush, including a plurality of relatively movable elements.A resistance unit is associated with said elements in such a manner thatan initial movement of this commutator brush will tend to close thecircuit through the electric machine with this resistance in series insaid circuit, this initial operation of the machine as a motor tendingto facilitate themechanicalconnecting up of the electric machine to theengine.

Now, upon a further movement of the elements of the commutator brush,this resistance will be short-circuited and the main motor circuitclosed, whereby a full flow of current will pass through the motor, andthus. effect the actual starting operation of the. motor. v

Further objects and advantages of the present. invention will beapparent from the following description, reference being had to' theaccompanying drawings, wherein preferred forms of the present inventionare clearly illustrated.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a portion Patented July 30, 1918.

filed July 14, 1913, Serial No. 778.934. Divided and this applicationfiled February 9,

SeriaLNo. 77,346.

partly structural of one form ofthe'prese'nt invention; the structure ofthe vehicle and its chassis being eliminated, except for one side frame,for the sake of clearness.

Fig. 3 is a view in sideelevation of the electric machine'disclosed in'Fig. 2, certain parts thereof being shown in section for the sake ofclearness.

F i'g.'4 is a detail plan View of certain of the mechanical structureshown in- Fig. 3, and

Fig. 5 illustrates a modified form of the brush holder shown in Figs. 2and 3.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, the

namo electric machine is substantially the same as shown in theco-pending application, Serial N 0. 721,237, filed September 19,

1912; and the issued U. S. patent of Charles F. Kettering, No.1,150,523; but it will. be understood that this unit may be located onany part of the machine, the'only restriction being that it be in such aposition that it will eiiiciently perform the desired and intendedfunctions.

The lighting and ignition systems, and the circuits and devicestherefor, have been .unit 44 electrically connects the element 40clearly described, illustrated and claimed in our co-pendingapplication, Serial No. 778,934, filed July 14, 1913, and therefore nofurther description or illustration of these features is deemednecessary in the present application.

In Fig. 2 there is illustrated an electric machine of what may be termedthe dynamo electric machine type, which may have its field and armaturewindings so arranged and constructed that it may be operated as agenerator for the purpose of charging the accumulator or providingcurrent for ignition or lighting purposes, and again, as a motor forstarting purposes.

Referring particularly to Fig. 2, one terminal 27 of the battery 28, isconnected to the frame 20 of the chassis, while the other terminal ofthe battery leads through the wire 29, directly to the terminal 30,which is secured to but insulated from the dynamo electric machine. Thiswire 29 constitutes what may be termed the common connection betweenboth the motor and generator windings of the electric machine and thestorage battery.

Referring to diagrammatic Fig. 2, it will be noted that the wire 29leads to a terminal 30 which is secured to the frame of the dynamoelectric machine. This terminal is insulated from the frame inanysuitable manner, as by washers 31 and the sleeve 32.

The opposite end of the terminal 30 is connected to one end 33 of theheavy or series motor winding 34, and also has a connection with thecomparatively high resistance wire 35, Which leads to the contact plate36 of the cut-out relay 37, which is included in the generator circuit.a

Referring to Fig. 2, the opposite end of the series winding 34 isconnectedv to the commutator brush 38. This brush is normally mounted soas to be in contact with the commutator at all times.

The opposite brush 39, however, is normally maintained out of contactmaking position with respect to the commutator, but is so mountedthat'it may be depressed to en gage o'r cont-act with the commutator.

The holder of brush 39 is divided into two elements 40 I and 41,insulated from each other, but capable of independent movement to acertain degree. The element 41 is pivotally mounted to any part of thegenerator frame and is electrically connected thereto. These twoelements, that is, the element 40 and the element 41, are normallymaintained apart by means of a coil spring 42, which in Fig. 3 not onlyfunctions as a spring but also is composed of resistance material forthe purposes hereinafter described.

In the modified form shown in Fig. 5, the means for maintaining theelements 40 and 41 apart, is shown as comprising simply a coil spring43, while a separate resistance to the element 41. In this form, it isnecessary that the spring which is interposed between the two elementsbe insulated from the element 41, so as to prevent the passage ofcurrent therethrough.

The portion or element 40 of the brush holder is provided with an anglearm 45, which carries a roller 46 positioned in a slot 47, formed in oneend of the lever 48. This lever 48 in turn is pivotally secured as at49, while its opposite end is connected to an operating rod 50, whichextends rearwardly and may be secured to any suitable operating pedal51. This rod 50 may be directly connected to a shaft 52, which carriesthe pedal 51 or which may be secured thereto by means of a magneticlatch connection, such as is described in the issued U. S. patent ofCharles F. Kettering, No. 1,150,523.

This same operating rod 50 is connected to the shiftable gearing 53,which comprises a large pinion 54 and a small pinion 55, mounted adjacent to the armature pinion 56, which is carried on one end of thearmature shaft 57.

' wardly This gearing 53 is adapted-to be shifted into engagement withthe armature pinion 56 and the flywheel gearing 23, and forms thedriving means between the electric machine, when operating as a motor,and the flywheel of the engine.

It has been found advisable to provide some means for imparting asupplemental or initial movement to either the shiftable gearing 53 orto the armature and its pinion, during the shifting of the gearing 53,so as to facilitate its connection with the armature pinion 56, and theflywheel teeth 23. That is, it has been found that there is a tendency,under certain conditions, for the end faces of the pinions 54 and 55 toconnet with the end faces of'the teeth of the armature pinion 56, andthe teeth of the flywheel gearing and under certain circumstances,prevent the ready enmeshment ol the above mentioned parts.

However, by imparting a relative movement. to certain of these parts, asfor instance. the armature pinion'56 and the shiftable gearing 53, anyconflicting of the end faces ol' the teeth may be readily overcome andthrgears easily enmeshed.

3y describing the operation of the system shown in the accompanyingdrawings, it is thought that the. sequence of operations, and the mannerin which they are secured, will be readily apparent.

When it is desired to operate the electric machine as a motor forstarting purposes, the main operating pedal 51, is first depressed.crating member will draw the rod 50 rearin the direction of the arrow 58shown in Figs. and 3, and this will tend to couple up the electricmachine to the engine, by enmeshing the gearing 53 with the armaturepinion 5t) and the toothed portion 23 oi the flywheel.

It will be understood. however, that the cnmcshment ot' the abovementioned gearing will not lzlh'O place until after a slow initialmovement has been imparted to the armatureof the electric machine. Thisinitial movement of the electric machine as a motor is secured by theoperation the movable motor commutator brush. The initialmovement ofthis brush and its holderwill tend to break the generator circuit andwill then be in such position that neither the gen erator circuit or themotor circuit will be closed. However, upon continued movement: of the.operating member, the motor brush 39 will be brought into engagementwith the motor conn'lmtator, and this, of course, will establish themotor circuit.

It. will now be obvious by refcrringto Fig. 2 that. all cuiient flowingthrough this established motor circuit, must necessarily pass throughthe following circuit: from the battery 28, through the wire 29, to. the

The depression of this main op terminal button 30, thence through theseries field coil 34, to the stationary commutator brush 38-, across thearmature to the movable brush 39 and thence through the re sistanee unit42 to the other element of the motor brush holder 41', thence to theground connection 59 of the generator frame, back to the opposite sideof the battery, via ground connection 60.

On a continued movement of the rod 50 in the direction of the arrow 58,see Figs.

2'a-nd 3, the element 41 of the movable brush holder will be depressedfurther, relative to the commutator and also to the element 40 of thebrush holder, which of course is already in contact with the motorcommutator.

Now, asspon as the portion 41 of the brush holder contacts with theportion 40, the resistance unit 42 will be short-circuited and thus thefull flow of current through the motor circuit will be effected.

In Fig. 3 it will be noted that the separate resistance unit iseliminated by combining this resistance'unit directly with the spring42, which normally tends to support the two elements of the movablemotor commutator brush.

Now, as soon as the engine has become self-actuating, the operator willrelease the pedal 51 and permit the gearing 53 to return to its normalposition, and also to permit the lever 48 to act on the movable com--mutator brush 39, in such a manner as .to return the same to its normalposition, such as is shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

Any suitable arrangement of springs, (not shown), may be provided forreturning the main operating member to its normal position as soon as itis released by the operator; these spring arrangements being clearlydescribed and shown in the heretofore referred to eo-pendingapplications and the issued patent.

In view of the fact that the operation of the electric machine as agenerator does not form a part of the present invention, no descriptionof the circuitarrangements and the associated devices is deemednecessary in the present application, inasmuch as these circuits anddevices have been fully shown, described and claimed in our eopendingapplication, Serial No. 778,934, filed July 14, 1913.

\Vhilctthc form of mechanism herein shown and described constitutes apreferred form of embodiment of the invention. it is to be understoodthat other forms might be adopted, all coming within the scope of theclaims which follow.

\Vhat. we claim is as follows:

1. In a starting device, the combination with an engine and a motoradapted to be used for starting purposes, said motor having a set ofcommutator brushes and brushcopies of thin patentmay be obtained forbrushes having a brush-holder, comprising.

two independent elements insulated from each other; of an accumulatorelectrically connected with said motor; a resistance unit electricallyconnecting the independent elements of said brush-holder; and means formoving both of said elements of the brushholder to close the circuitconnections initially through said resistance and by con tinued movementto short-circuit the said resistance element.

3. In electric machines, the combination with an armature having acommutator and brushes, one of said brushes having a brushholderconsisting of two independent and insulated elements, and movablerelative to each. other; of a resistance unit electrically connectingsaid elements of the brush-holder; and a main operating member formoving one element of the said brush-holder into contact with the otherelement to short-circuit the said resistance.

4. In electric machines, the combination with a commutator brush andbrush-holder comprising separate insulated elements; of

a resistance unit electrically connecting said elements of thebrush-holder; and means for moving one element of said brush-holder tocut out said resistance. I

5. In electric machines, the combination with a commutator brush andbrush-holder,

said bruslrholder comprising two independ cut and insulated elements; ofa resistance unit electrically connecting said elements andresilientlyseparating the same; and means for moving one element of saidbrushholder into contact with the other to cut out said resistance.

6. In a starting device for engines, the combination with an-engine ofan electric motor; shiftable mechanical connections be tween said engineand motor; a storage battery having circuit connections adapted to beconnected with said motor; a commutator brush included in said circuitconnections, but normally maintained in position to break one of saidconnections, .said comnmtator brush comprising a plurality of elements7. In a starting device for engines, the

combination with an engine of an electric motor; shiftable mechanicalconnections between said engine and motor; a storage battery havingcircuit connections adapted to be connected with said motor; acommutator brush included in said circuit connec tions, but normallymaintained in position to break one of said connections, said commutatorbrush comprising a plurality of elements and a resistance associatedtherewith; and a common operating member capable of an initial movementto actuate said commutator brush to close one of said circuitconnections through the resistance to efi 'ect the operation of themotor at a slow initial speed, and capable of a second movement to shiftthe mechanical connections to couple up the motor and engine, andcapable of a third movement to actuate one of the elements of saidbrush, relative to the other to short-circuit said resistance, wherebythe electric machine may operate for starting purposes.

8. In a starting device, the combination with an engine, of a motoradapted to be coupled thereto for starting purposes; an accumulator;electrical connections between the accumulator and the motor, butnormally disconnected ;.a movable device for completing the circuitbetween the accumulator and motor, comprising movably mounted ele: mentsinsulated from each other, and a resistance element connected betweenthe said elements; and an operating member for shifting said movabledevice'to initially close the circuit through the resistance, and,adapted by continued movement to cut out said resistance by bringingsaid .movably mounted elements into contact with each other.

In testimony whereof we aflix our signatures in the presence of twosubscribing witnesses.

CHARLES F. KETTERING. WILLIAM A. CHI YSfl.

WVi tn esses J. W. MCDONALD, O. D. Mower.

five cents each, by addrenlng the "communion! of htents, Washington, D.0."

